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Best open-source Home automation

The best self-hosted home automation split in the c17.io catalog is Home Assistant for the common local-control dashboard, openHAB for an Eclipse Public License 2.0 Java runtime, Homebridge when the job is HomeKit for devices that do not speak it, and Frigate for a local NVR with object detection. c17 has no dedicated Home Assistant stack; cameras live on /stacks/frigate-nvr.

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Ranked picks

  1. 1

    Home Assistant

    Apache-2.0 Python automations box (home-assistant/core). The common homelab dashboard.

    When to pick it: Lights, sensors, and dashboards on a LAN box.

    91,587 stars in the catalog

  2. 2

    openHAB

    EPL-2.0 Java runtime with a large binding catalog — /compare/home-assistant-vs-openhab.

    When to pick it: A Java/Eclipse automation runtime.

    1,157 stars in the catalog

  3. 3

    Homebridge

    Apache-2.0 HomeKit bridge for devices that do not speak HomeKit.

    When to pick it: HomeKit in front of existing gadgets, not a full HA install.

    25,520 stars in the catalog

  4. 4

    Frigate

    MIT NVR with local object detection — the c17 Ring/Nest stack.

    When to pick it: Cameras you keep. Pair with HA; do not confuse the two jobs.

    36,720 stars in the catalog

How they compare

ToolLicenseSelf-hostBest for
Home AssistantApache License 2.0MediumLights, sensors, and dashboards on a LAN box.
openHABEclipse Public License 2.0MediumA Java/Eclipse automation runtime.
HomebridgeApache License 2.0EasyHomeKit in front of existing gadgets, not a full HA install.
FrigateMIT LicenseMediumCameras you keep. Pair with HA; do not confuse the two jobs.

Related pages

FAQ

Home Assistant or openHAB?
Home Assistant if you want the common homelab box. openHAB if you want that EPL-2.0 Java runtime — /compare/home-assistant-vs-openhab.
Is this Ring or Nest?
Those camera vaults are /stacks/frigate-nvr. Home Assistant/openHAB is the house automation runtime. You can run both.
Are these free?
Home Assistant core is Apache-2.0. openHAB core is EPL-2.0. Homebridge is Apache-2.0. Frigate is MIT. You pay hardware and electricity. Some vendor clouds stay behind.
Can I deploy this on Railway?
A LAN box is the honest path. USB sticks, Zigbee dongles, and mDNS do not belong on a random container. The Railway CTA starts a project.

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